Courses

Watershed Management Certification

Watershed management requires an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. Law, policy, community planning and development, stakeholder involvement and resource economics contribute as much to solutions as engineering, biology, hydrology and chemistry.  To meet this challenge the Michigan Water Environment Association, working with the IWR at Michigan State University has developed an interdisciplinary educational program that offers professionals with responsibilities or interest in watershed management a unique opportunity to acquire certification online. Anyone with responsibilities or an interest in watershed management will find these courses extremely beneficial.

  • Consultants 
  • Policy Makers 
  • Civil and Environmental Engineers 
  • Instructors and Researchers at Universities and Research Institutions 
  • Professionals from Municipal and Government Engineering 
  • Landscape Engineers and Architects 
  • Public Works Personnel 
  • Regulatory Staff 
  • Scientists

Benefits of this program include:

  • Interdisciplinary approach to watershed management
  • Affordable, flexible paced courses
  • Knowledge and skills obtained enhance your resume
  • Framed certificate awarded upon program completion
  • Complimentary 1-year MWEA Membership

For more information visit: https://www.mi-wea.org/watershedcert.php

 

 

Introduction to Lakes Online

Introduction to Lakes Online is designed for interested individuals, decision makers, local leaders, resource professionals, and lakefront property owners interested in gaining knowledge about inland lakes and connecting with others who have a similar interest. In this introductory course, participants increase their knowledge and understanding of the following six topics:

  • Lake ecology
  • Watersheds
  • Shorelines
  • Aquatic plant management
  • Michigan water law
  • Community involvement

Registration is open until January 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

Course Format

  • Six-week online class taught via pre-recorded video lectures
  • Three Ask-an-Expert webinars
  • Access to units will be provided on a week-by-week, unit-by-unit basis with each new unit opening on Tuesdays at 8:00 AM eastern. Access to future units will be based on completion of the previous unit’s quiz. The quizzes are made up of 10 multiple choice and true/false questions.
  • Once a unit is available to view, it will remain open. 

What to expect

Every week a new unit exploring an inland lake topic will be released on our website. Participants will explore course topics through video lectures and activities such as readings and interactive websites. Many units also include a discussion forum, prompting participants to interact with others and the instructional team. For those looking to dive deeper into a topic, we also provide numerous additional resources. Each unit takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

Ask-an-Expert webinars
Every other week we offer optional one hour Ask-an-Expert webinars specific to topics in the course. These are hosted by the instructional team and outside experts including staff from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The panel of experts address questions submitted via a Q&A box.

Course Schedule

Open Date Course Topic Description
1/21 Getting Started Explore the Introduction to Lakes course website and introduce yourself to the class and instructors via discussion forums
1/28 Unit 1:
Lake Ecology		 An introduction to lake ecosystems and the exploration of basic lake functions
2/4 Unit 2:
Watersheds		 Primer on the water cycle, hydrologic features of a watershed, and land use impacts to lake water quality
2/11 Unit 3:
Shorelines		 Review of shoreline features and functions in inland lake ecosystems and best practices to protect water quality and lake habitat
2/18 Unit 4:
Aquatic plants		 Introduction to plant identification, short and long-term management techniques, and regulations regarding aquatic vegetation
in Michigan lakes
2/25 Unit 5:
Water Law		 Summary of federal, state, and local laws regarding riparian rights, navigability, and permitting on inland lakes in Michigan
3/4 Unit 6:
Community Involvement		 Review of institutions involved in lake management, coordinating with other lake groups, and components of a lake management plan
4/4 Certificate/CEU Deadline To receive a Certificate of Completion or Continuing Education Credits all course requirements must be met by this date
Ask-an-Expert Webinars
2/12
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.		 Webinar #1 Lake Ecology and Watersheds
2/26
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.		 Webinar #2 Shorelines and Aquatic Plants
3/12
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.		 Webinar #3 Water Law and Community Involvement

 

Learn more and register at https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/introduction-to-lakes

 

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